In this and indeed other lives there are givers and takers. It's safe to say that vampires are very much in the latter camp - unapologetically so. Most of them have had plenty of practice - after all they've been undead for centuries. And they haven't got that old without being artful. The Magpyrs are a thoroughly modern, sophisticated vampire family. They're looking to enhance their social status by taking over a kingdom or two. Over the years they've even developed a taste for garlic and for holy icons.